"Father Ferrer dies in Anantapur

Humanist ‘Father’ Ferrer dies; Andhra CM recalls ex-jesuit’s contribution to
Published : June 22 2009


HYDERABAD, Andhra Pradesh : A revered Spanish humanist and former Jesuit priest, Vicente Ferrer, who worked for the welfare of the poor and downtrodden in Andhra Pradesh, died at Anantapur district in the southern Indian state, June 19. He was 89.According his son, Moncho, who is currently at Anantapur, Ferrer died of kidney failure. However, the Associated Press, citing sources at the Rural Development Trust, a non-governmental organisation established by Ferrer in Andhra Pradesh, said he had been ill since suffering a blood clot in March last and died of cardio-respiratory failure.A spokesperson for the Vicente Ferrer Foundation told the media June 19 that the ex-Jesuit’s wife, children and members of the Foundation were at his side at the time of his death.Ferrer arrived in India over 50 years ago and worked relentlessly for the poor through his charitable organisations.In a condolence message to Moncho Ferrer, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, recalling Ferrer’s indefatigable and selfless service to society, said: ”Father Ferrer (as he is popularly known) is an icon of nobility, humility and truth who has put in 56 years of relentless work in India.”“Ferrer dedicated his life and worked for the poor, especially the Dalits (untouchables), tribals, the weaker sections, women and the disabled,” he added. “His contribution to the development of the people of Anantapur district, and partly Kurnool district, will be remembered for a long time to come.”Former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh and Telugu Desam Party president Nara Chandrababu Naidu also condoled the death of Ferrer.More than two million people have benefited from Ferrer’s organisations in Anantapur, where he lived for nearly 40 years.Born in Barcelona in 1920, Ferrer took part in the Spanish Civil War and later abandoned law studies to become a Jesuit. He arrived in Mumbai in 1952 as a missionary and was expelled in 1968 by the Indian authorities who were suspicious of his charitable activities.Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in favour of his staying in India. In the following year, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi granted him a visa so that he could continue his work in poverty-stricken Andhra Pradesh. Ferrer established himself in Anantapur, where his Rural Development Trust and Vicente Ferrer Foundation have created homes for thousands of people, hundreds of schools, several hospitals and thousands of water wells."I never spoke to (the poor) about God. There were other priorities," Ferrer had once said, leading to his expulsion from the Society of Jesus later on.In 1970, Ferrer married British journalist Anna Perry, with whom he had three children. In 1998, Ferrer was awarded the top Spanish Prince of Asturias Prize for his humanitarian work. He was also proposed as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Courtesy : SAR News
Sources from: http://www.indiancatholic.in/news/storydetails.php/12472-1-6-Humanist-‘Father’-Ferrer-dies;-Andhra-CM-recalls-ex-jesuit’s-contribution-to